The mutual relationship between music and society, as well as its undeniable cultural connection to the world, has long existed; however, for many, the relationship is even more unique when it comes from the community, specifically, public housing.

From Chicago's own soul legend Jerry Butler in Cabrini Green to rapper Jay-Z's rise from Brooklyn's Marcy Houses to Diana Ross's days in Detroit's Brewster-Douglass housing projects, some of the most talented and notable artists from the music industry hail from our nation's public housing communities. To celebrate this legacy, the National Public Housing Museum (NPHM) will feature its latest exhibit, "The Sound, the Soul, the Syncopation," at the Expo 72 Gallery, 72 E. Randolph St., beginning Thursday, November 15. This technological and interactive exhibit will feature over 50 artists from musical genres including jazz, punk, gospel, country, hip-hop and more.

For NPHM Executive Officer Keith L. Magee, public housing's impact on the nation's musical landscape is important to explore. " 'The Sound, the Soul, the Syncopation' tells the dual story of the role of music in the creation and development of community and the role of community in the creation of music," said Magee. "This exhibit will reveal that for many of today's most popular artists, public housing was--and is--a place to call home."